My family and I just got back from our trip out West. We had an amazing time, crossing 14 states, almost 6,000 miles, and lots of amazing stops. Some of our visits included Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, our first rodeo, the Creation Museum, and lots more.

Surrounded by Mountains

We spent so much time this trip driving in the mountains–around them, through them, over them…At any given point in our trip, we were surrounded by them. While I like looking at the mountains, driving through them is another story altogether and not my favorite. But the place we rented in Wyoming was surrounded on all sides by mountains, and the scenery was amazing. Every time I looked out the window, it took my breath away.

Lift My Eyes to the Hills

Every time I looked out at the mountains, the words from Psalm 121 would run through my mind.

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 121:1

The Songs of Ascents

The background to this passage helps the passage make sense. This Psalm is part of a group of Psalms known as the Song of Ascents. These were the passages God’s people would sing and recite as they made their way to the temple. It was a pilgrimage, and they would sing these words as they went on their journey.

What’s interesting to note, as you can probably derive from the title of this collection, they were ascending as they sang. They would have traveled through the Judaean mountains or hills to get to the temple. These would have included ones we’re familiar with such as the Mount of Olives, the Temple Mount, and Mount Zion.

The View Never Gets Old

They were familiar with mountains; they were a way of life for these travelers. And yet, does anyone ever get over their beauty? Even if you live by the mountains, you still don’t ever get over their beauty. Although my parents live near the base of the Rocky Mountains, the view never gets old.

I don’t think it’s by coincidence that God led his followers through the them as part of their journey. It was a visible reminder of His incredible power and presence.

God’s Unfailing love

Every time I look at the mountains, I am reminded of how big God is and how small I am. I am reminded that the God of the universe who created these amazing mountains also created me and cares about the details of my life. I’m also reminded of His unfailing love for me.

For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
    Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 57:10

More Encouragement

For more encouragement, check out my post, How Nature Helps Me Combat Discouragement. If you don’t live near the mountains but love the scenery of the mountains, try putting out some pictures to look at, like this collection of postcards of the national parks.